Debates

Since 1955, National Review magazine has defined the modern conservative movement and enjoyed the broadest allegiance of American conservatives. National Review Institute was founded by William F. Buckley Jr. as a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization in 1991. NRI advances the conservative principles which Buckley advocated throughout his life, in his National Review writings, books, speeches, and the lively debates in which he engaged—in print, on television, and elsewhere. NRI’s mission is to preserve and promote the Buckley legacy, complement the mission of the magazine, and support NR’s best talent. In 1966, Buckley took his conservative message beyond the pages of National Review and directly to the American public. Through Firing Line, for over three decades he influenced the millions of Americans who tuned in weekly for intelligent discussion—of key events, of core principles, and of leading policymakers—between powerful voices on the Left and Right.

In the spring, NRI, in partnership with the Hoover Institution Library and Archives, celebrated the 50th anniversary of Firing Line and the Buckley legacy in three cities: Dallas, New York, and Washington, D.C. Our kickoff partnership event was held here, at Harlan Crow’s new Debate Chamber on the Old Parkland campus. His vision for the campus is to “be a place where there are conversations, there’s sharing of ideas, and there are thought leaders.” The Debate Chamber was created specifically to fulfill this vision.

True to Buckley’s legacy, this series of events provides a forum for civilized debate and discussion—lessons that important legacy still teaches us today. We are pleased to continue our partnership with Old Parkland.

Debate Forum on Masterpiece Cakeshop SCOTUS Case | March 6, 2018Sponsored by National Review Institute
RESOLVED: Jack Phillips and the Masterpiece Cakeshop are constitutionally entitled to refuse to design a custom cake for a same-sex couple.
For the motion: Jim Campbell, Alliance Defending Freedom; David French, National Review Institute
Against the motion: Lawrence Sager, University of Texas School of Law; Nelson Tebbe, Cornell Law School
Watch the debate here.

Debate Forum on Criminal Justice | April 12, 2017Sponsored by National Review Institute and Texas Public Policy Foundation
RESOLVED: Incarceration rates are too high
For the motion: Derek Cohen, Center for Effective Justice at the Texas Public Policy Foundation and the Right on Crime Campaign;
Mark Levin, Center for Effective Justice and Right on Crime at the Texas Public Policy Foundation
Against the motion: Barry Latzer, John Jay College; Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review Institute
Watch the debate here.

National Review Institute is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), journalistic think tank, established to advance the conservative principles William F. Buckley Jr. championed, and complement the mission of National Review magazine by supporting and promoting NR’s best talent. All contributions to it are deductible for income, gift, and estate tax purposes. EIN# 13-3649537